いらっしゃいませ！

Monday, June 29, 2009

Thank You Wonton Forest!

I'd like to take a break from my recent series of posts to say thank you and goodbye to what quickly became my favorite local hangout. As you may already know, Wonton Forest sadly closed its doors today. With amazing wontons, refreshing soup, and the coolest staff, it's very hard to believe that this day has come. But what can you do. Blame it on location, blame it on the economy, blame it on the rain, blame it on whatever you want. Good food or not, the people just didn't come.

I first came here last November right after I had completed that crazy Foo-Foo Challenge. It was then that I learned Chef Paul and I shared a mutual friend from college. Wonton Forest soon became my Cheers. It was on my way home from work and I soon found myself stopping by 2-4 times a week. The food was great and the friendships I formed with the staff were priceless.

I first posted about WoFo on a popular food site. I won't say whiCH one, but I was soon banned from making any comments related to Wonton Forest. Yeah, their reason (sent to me in a f'd up email) was because I was too close to the owners and my opinions were now biased. Flattered, I decided never to use that site again.

In recent weeks, Paul gave me a chance to work at WoFo so I could experience first hand a day in the life of a small restaurant. He had me cutting green onions, shredding chicken, mincing pork, taking orders, bussing tables, washing dishes, and more. I got to see the frustrations that come with being slow and the stresses that come with being busy. Overall, it gave me a totally different view of things and much more respect for what small local restaurants and their owners go through everyday. You're right Paul, it's bitter sweet!

So before I get too emotional, I just want to say thanks to everyone at Wonton Forest. Thanks for putting up with all my drama and thanks for being there to share my joys. And even though you'll be replaced by a ramen shop, it's never gonna be the same. Good luck to everyone, especially Paul and Sarah. I know you'll be back!

I definitely regret I didn't pay more visit while I can. I still remember first learning about this place from your blog, Keizo!

Then come Nov my sister's wedding, my relatives all came and I decided to take them to give it a try.

Not until 6 months later after their opening, that would be then Dec 2008... that's when I wrote me "my mom approved!" review on Yelp (I'm a lazy yelper, only consumer but not much writing =P).

This week, I visited them Thur for lunch, Friday for lunch alone, Friday dinner with my "troop". And lastly today... and un-plan visit, after church's worship service, I brought along bro & sis to pay a last tribute. I certainly miss the broth, the dry style simply is a no-match!!! I -think- we were the last table... when the sign turned and "Closed" was then displayed. I wish I could buy off the rest of the remaining wonton!!!

Thankfully, I was lucky enough to experience Paul’s amazing food. It left me wanting more & more…but then I guess that’s what good food does. It should leave you with a sense of comfort, pleasure and happiness. Well, that, and an accumulation of wonderful memories to accompany these treats.

Ugh. So now that I’m sad and have a craving for wontons, maybe I’ll figure out a way to get Paul to cook for me everyday. :P

Sad...I always hate to see good restaurants fail, and WoFo was good! Sorry I couldn't head up there for one last farewell...But honestly, didn't the location have something to do with it? Waaaaay in the back and so much competition. Tell Paul he should reopen down in the OC!

Geez, I guess I'm not the only one with a beef with "that other food site"...